DOC campsites in Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty has long surf beaches from Waihī Beach to Ōhope and the lakes and geothermal country around Rotorua. Holiday parks line the coast, and DOC campsites sit beside the Rotorua lakes and in the forests inland.
Campsites
Bookings and fire season
Bookable DOC campsites need a booking even if you hold a DOC Campsite Pass, and Great Walk campsites must be booked ahead for the Great Walks season. Campsites that cannot be booked are first come, first served.
Before lighting any fire, check the fire season for the area on checkitsalright, the Fire and Emergency New Zealand site, and read the DOC alerts for your campsite on the day you travel.
Official sources: Department of Conservation, Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Guides for Bay of Plenty
- Coromandel to Rotorua: 5-Day Camping Loop From Auckland
- Freedom Camping in Tauranga 2026: Where You Can Stay
- Freedom Camping in Whakatāne 2026: Where You Can Stay
- Freedom Camping in Rotorua 2026: Where You Can Stay
- DOC Hut & Campsite Bookings 2026: How to Book, Fees, Dates
- NZ Great Walks 2026/27: Huts, Campsites, Booking Dates and Fees
Nearby regions
Before you go
Take it on the road
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